“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (I John 1: 9)

Hiding from God isn’t wise. To pretend that we are perfect humans is not only to lie but to deprive ourselves of the most natural and effective way to be better.

Confession isn’t simply stating a roster of moral lapses according to some human rule book. It is really about turning to God first. He is faithful. He is right there ready to shine a light on us, to reveal those things that He didn’t make or condone and that don’t belong in His presence or in that wonderful idea—you—He saw fit to create.

And our job is to allow these mistaken thoughts about ourselves, our lives, about others, and about God, to be exposed and cleansed, all in the safe, intimate sanctuary of God’s Love. It is not to own these wrong ideas, these fears and doubts and resentment, but to confess them, to offer them up to God for His Truth to enlighten us, purify us, cleanse us of what is hindering our natural holiness.

This confession should be a joy. It is not an act of admitting to evil and lingering in it with blame, shame, and hopelessness. It is our opportunity to be loved into renewal, refreshment, a cleansing from all that isn’t right, isn’t God-like, isn’t ours or us at all.

Let us love each occasion to turn our humble faces to God and let Him clear away the dirt that hides our loveliness with His powerful, perfect, purposeful Love.

This is today’s e-inspire. These messages are based on passages from the Bible and Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, by Mary Baker Eddy. These books are our “pastor” in Christian Science. Come back every Tuesday and Thursday for fresh inspiration. Or get a free subscription to receive an inspirational message like this one every morning directly to your inbox by contacting me at lamolitercs@aol.com. A downloadable compilation of categorized messages is also available by request.